Clever Divas

Option One: Why not make your white wedding gown green?

After your “green” wedding, you can do even more by recycling your gown. Yes, many a bride preserves her gown, perhaps to pass down to a future daughter. However, will the gown be fashionable (or usable for that matter after so many decades), by the time the daughter is old enough to get married? And will she even want it? (Tips for preserving the gown are listed below.)

Why not turn your gown into a cocktail dress or recycle part(s) of it as a shirt and/or skirt if the style lends itself to that? Or dye it if you want? You can make fluffy lacy white pillows and enjoy them all the time. How about turning it into a christening gown or two for your future children? Or give the christening gown as a gift to a newborn of a friend or family. For other ideas on recycling your gown, check out Dr. Dave and Dee.

You can donate your gown to Wedding Gowns for Angels, an organization that provides burial garments for infants who have passed away. Several garments and mementos can be made from one gown and then donated to the family, sparing them of one less emotional task when saying good-bye to their little angel.

You can consign your gown, as long as it is cleaned and in pristine condition. Then another bride can have an affordable gown and you can get back some cash on your investment, which might come in handy in starting your new life with your new partner.

Lastly, you can always donate your gown to help another bride have a beautiful, memorable day, just like you.

Option Two: If You’d Like to Keep Your Gown

Find a specialty eco-friendly cleaner that meticulously cleans gowns like Forever Treasured in San Diego.

If the gown is a historical piece, requires extra care, or cannot by cleaned properly by a specialty dry cleaner, then you may want to consider a textile conservator.

For more information on cleaning, preserving, and storing a wedding gown, check out these helpful hints from the Minnesota Historical Society.

Either way, a wedding gown can bring joy long after the wedding day.  Enjoy!

–DivaKimbling (aka the Wedding Writer)